Brazil fixture cancellation could help Arsenal complete first signing of summer transfer window

Arsenal may have been given a clear path to get a deal for Gabriel Jesus over the line as soon as possible with the Manchester City striker now free of international commitments.

A possible reason as to why the Gunners’ business so far this summer has, for the most part, centered around outgoings instead of incomings is due to transfer targets being away with their respective nations either playing friendly matches, World Cup qualifiers or UEFA Nations League games.

For Gabriel Jesus, he featured in Brazil’s double header against South Korea and Japan and then dropped a major hint with regards to when a decision surrounding his future could be made amid ongoing talks with his representatives and Arsenal technical director Edu over a potential summer transfer.

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“I’m looking to see what’s best for me and above all, for my career,” he said after scoring in a 5-1 win over South Korea. “From Tuesday, we’ll see what is the best.” Whilst that deadline has since passed with no clear indication of what’s next for the 25-year-old, it’s safe to say the striker should have a lot of free time on his hands now.

This is because Brazil were scheduled to face Argentina on June 11 in Melbourne as part of their preparations for the World Cup later this year but it was announced last month by the federation and event organisers that the fixture had been cancelled due to the Copa America holders not being prepared to travel to Australia.

“Regrettably, event organisers have been informed by Pitch, the Superclasico June 11 2022 match agent, that contrary to their prior agreement and commitment to do so, Argentina are no longer prepared to travel to Australia for the match against Brazil,” organisers said in a statement, as per ESPN.

The report also stated that Brazil had hoped to arrange a friendly with an African opponent for the June 11 slot, but with no confirmation of a fixture, it would appear that international duty has now concluded for Arsenal pair Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes.

In addition, this could be significant in Arsenal’s attempts to sign Gabriel Jesus in time for him to take part in the club’s first pre-season fixture against FC Nurnberg on July 8th at the Max-Morlock Stadion as there are no international fixtures putting a potential deal on hold and the striker can fully focus on sorting out his future.

An incentive for the Gunners’ transfer chiefs to speed up the process is two-fold. One to avoid being dragged into a battle with London rivals Chelsea who are said to be watching developments and to appease manager Mikel Arteta who is reportedly at the indecision shown by Stan or Josh Kroenke.

If Arsenal were to agree a deal with Man City for Gabriel Jesus they would be in a position to register him immediately as despite the summer transfer window officially opening on Friday (June 10) only signings made from Premier League, EFL and Scottish teams can be registered until the international window opens on July 1.